After hearing two coworkers different point of view about finances, budgeting, and saving it had me think about my point of view on finances. Which mindset of the financial spectrum did I fall on? One coworker said she only lives once. Therefore, she buys what she wants, when she wants, and doesn’t particularly save. She pays her bills in full every month. After that, she and her husband live their life. They didn’t believe in the rainy day. “I can’t take the money with me when I die.” Hmmmmm…….
The other coworker was on the complete opposite end of the financialmindset. Her and her familybudget everything every month down to the entertainment, eating out, and extras. She said if she goes to the store and get to the counter and the total is over what she planned she will stand there and determine which item she needs less and put it back. Whenever the budget runs out for that category, that is it until next payday or it’s time to budget again. They also have a set savings amount each month. “We just don’t know what’s going to happen.” Hmmmmmm……
So that leads me to the question of which mindset are you?
A. Tomorrow isn’t promised so I’m going to live each day like it’s my last. I’ll worry about tomorrow and what is needed then.
B. I like to be prepared and make sure I have everything I need. I never know when an emergency or unexpected situation or expense may occur.
-I am a good agent -I am a good worker -I am a kind person -I am a good person -I am confident in who I am -I am good enough as I am today -I am a good mom -I am in control of my emotions -I am strong -I am doing my best -I am proud of myself -I believe in myself -I am beautiful -I have something to offer -I am deserving of all dreams, visions, and goals I have
Those are 15 affirmations that I do daily to keep my mental bank in overflow. The key to affirmations is not just writing them, but you have to believe what you’re telling yourself. Along with the beliefs you must rely on them when faced with a situations that gives you anxiety. When I’m faced with a tough task or client, I pause, and repeat at least 3 affirmations before resuming. I am able to take control, do my job, and not let them ruin my day. I remain in control of my emotions.
I’ve heard a million times, one of the best and easiest ways to pick yourself up is to make a list of things you’re grateful for. We are blessed everyday just to wake up. Even if you’re in good spirits and life has you feeling good, it still is a good idea to list a couple things each day that you’re grateful for. 10 WAYS TO LIVE HAPPIER A dailygratitudejournal may be the best if you don’t know where to start. But I thought I’d just make a list of things I’ve been especially grateful for.
Those are 20 that I’ve been very grateful for lately. As I continue to grow I notice it’s the small things that makes me happy and keeps me going. Each day you do this some will remain constant and other things will appear on your list. Either way no matter how you’re feeling at some point in the day make a list of a minimum of 3 things you’re grateful for. As you continue to do it you’ll begin to notice you can’t stop thinking of things you’re grateful for. Happy Sunday Funday!!!!
As I grow and enjoy my journey I’m learning to celebrate the small things in life and appreciate the moments that some may look over. Lately, there are some things that I realize bring me more joy than a piece of cheesecake, my favorite dessert. It’s more important to take a look back each night, week, month or year and appreciate the finer things that brings you joy. Here are just a few things that make me feel whole, comfort, and at peace each day.
Watching TV with my daughter nightly. It has become a ritual these last couple months for us to watch something of her choosing. Or sometimes she’ll get into a program I recorded and want to watch. But this is our way of chatting without it seeming like it’s a task or me trying to get information. We learn from each, get to know each other, and discuss things that probably won’t come up on a regular.
Dropping my kids off at school. I think I look forward to this because it’s my way of sending them off. I get to motivate and pour into them while in the car. I know this won’t last long as they get older and graduate. It’s sort of our quiet time to enjoy each other before starting our busy day and reconvening later in the day.
Monthly salon appointment. I look forward to this appointment because I get to talk to a bunch of women, divulge in beauty talk and products, and leave feeling like a brand new woman. It’s something I do for me that makes me feel good on the inside more than the outside. 9 DAILY FEMININE SELF CARE HABITS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD
New Inspirational Journals. These gems I purchased from the dollar store has really allowed me to purge my thoughts, feelings, and desires without filter. I get to be my true honest self and not worry about being perfect or writing perfectly. After writing I feel lighter and ready to tackle the day. Journaling has allowed me to clear my thoughts for new inspiration.
Daily pampering. Each morning I have to take care of feminine self. Starting with my skincareroutine, perfume, and jewelry. Just dolling myself up a bit keeps my spirits up. When you don’t get dressed or doll yourself up sometimes it’s easy to get into a slump. You don’t need a special event to get dressed up or glam yourself.
Those are 5 little things that brings me joy. Focusing on what makes me feel good inside and out keeps my mind open for new positivethoughts. If you’re feeling a little blue, I encourage you to look back at your day and make a list of things that make you feel good. The smallest acts have the greatest impact.
Over the last six months I’ve made a huge transition in my professionalcareer and it has been a challenge finding balance with the schedule. I envisioned this position for a couple of years and now it’s almost as if I’m not really living in that vision sometimes. Trying to keep balance of being a mom, wife, the blog, and other ventures I had to really think, pause and center myself. Think about this new chapter, where I am going, and what I want to do.
But first there are some mental healthreminders I had to activate and actively practice to get me to my understanding, self awareness, and peace with myself. As we grow and transition in life our mental and emotional health also transitions. It is up to us to be aware and recognize there are some mental healthhabits that needs more practice, some needs to be substituted, and others we may have to adopt all together.
There is power in honesty. The immense amount of power that you receive when you are honest with yourself can be overwhelming. I’ve come to know the more honest I am with how I am feeling mentally, physically, and emotionally helps me with the next step in recognizing the why. When you own your truth no one can abuse you or use your truth against you. I began to peel back the layers in why certain things were making me feel uncomfortable or why I may not have 100% locked in. Also being honest about what you want to do in life and not feel bad. My biggest hurdle was speaking aloud, even though I had this amazing position with great benefits, flexibility, and support, my heart was still yearning for the dream God placed in me. I’ve heard it a million times, once God places a vision or dream in you, no matter what you do or have, that dream or vision isn’t going to leave you. So now I am at a place to figure how to deliver on what was placed in me.
My happiness has to come from me. No one person, no amount of money, material things, or event can give me happiness. I have to be happy with who I am at this current moment, in this body, in this skin, in this home, with all the blessings I’ve been given. My happiness has to come from me knowing it is ok to dream big, have dreams no one understands, and that they can happen if I do the work. There is no such thing as I’ll be happy when….Everything that you have right now is what you’ve asked for. Now, is it ok to always want to grow, be better, do better and have better, absolutely. I know I have the right to do what makes me happy and I don’t need permission from anyone to do so. I was speaking to a client earlier in the week and she was a mature woman in her 60s. She was retired but substitute teacher part time and show homes for Redfin part time. In the middle of the conversation she says I can work when I want. I’m a little vain, I like to get Botox. She is happy living her life and doing what makes her happy. You have to be fearless when it comes to your happiness.
There is power in writing. Writing down your dreams. Vision for your life. Your fears. Your wants. Your desires. Whatever comes to mind, there is power in writing. I am an advocate for journaling. However, I now know the power in writing everyday. Sometimes I write 2x a day. An hour before work I sit down and write. No plan. Just pen to paper. The thoughts you can purge is gratifying. The prayers and conversation you can have speaking with God and writing your dreams down is powerful. I’ve heard many say writing is therapeutic, they are right. In the beginning I had no idea how to write, what to say, or where to begin. I purchased these amazing Inspirational Journals from the dollar store of all places and I haven’t been able to put the pen down. They are themed scripture based prompts for you to write. I read the verse at the top of the page and write down my interpretation in the spiritual sense, mental and emotionalwellbeing, and in my lifestyle. For only $1, each day I can journal my way to peace and happiness. The themes are Truth, Joy, Courage, and Wisdom.
”Don’t let the storm in your heart overshadow the sunshine in your soul.”-c.r. Elliott
You are not your circumstances. Don’t own anything that isn’t you. Furthermore, don’t accept, participate, and own the labels others attempt to put on you. I have been guilty of this most of my life. The labels my family put on me I subconsciously accepted and owned. You have the right to live the life you want to live. Not the life others think you should live. Remember that you are not a victim you are a survivor. Isolated events that has taken place in your life doesn’t define your story. You are the author and finisher of your story. Don’t ever dim your light for someone else’s comfort. Shine bright and blind them. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!!
”Mind is a beautiful servant, but a dangerous master.” – Buddha
We are very good at thinking negatively. Replaying the worst situations and experiences that has occurred in our life is easy to do. If the mind is that powerful, then we can retrain and reprogram to think of a beautiful life. Replay your dream day in the life over and over again and watch it come to reality. SELF CONFIDENCE BEGINS WITH THE MIND Dream up your family, home, vacations, and career you have been wanting. It will all come to pass. Just as all the negative that comes to pass when we speak it up. The mind is a powerful thing. Use it for the good. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!
We’re constantly evolving and growing. The more you grow and learn about yourself the betterlife you can have. Certain aspects of life are important to you and meaningful than before. So I’d thought I update a previous post from earlier. The More You Grow…
The More You Grow
First as your grow having a life insurance policy is IMPORTANT!!!!! This isn’t something we want to think about when we’re younger or even think is important. Well its very important for everyone, even the children in the family. Making sure your family is ok in the event of something happening will eliminate unwanted stress. You can go online and get a quote, and guess what its not even expensive. The only thing that’s guaranteed for all of us is death.
Next, maintaining your home and cars. I was very guilty of this when I was younger. Routine maintenance and checkups on your vehicles saves you money in the long run, keeps your return on your investment high, and provides a sense of security. Maintenance on your home is more essential to you mentally and emotionally. Home is where you go to rest, relax, and release. It’s the place you feel most comfortable. So to ensure it’s updated, maintained, and inviting, allows you to focus on yourself.
Keeping regular doctor and dental visits are primary healthcarehabits. We can do everything right and if we don’t get checked out something can go wrong. However, thinking preventive will keep you inspired to stay ahead. Making sure we’re the most healthy is essential to selfcare.
Along with physical health having a good spiritual foundation is the one ingredient that can’t be missed. Having a sense of gratitude and knowing that there is a higher power, provides the hope and faith needed to know everything is going to be alright no matter what. Whatever you believe and how ever you believe is up to you, your business, and is for you alone.
As you become more seasoned, you know the importance of having a great understanding of your finances. Where they are, what you want, where you need to improve, and have a clear plan on how you’re going to get there. You no longer fly by the seat of your pants.
By this time you’ve lived and know the importance of having a great work life balance. So many of us in our early years work work work, and missed out on familytime and milestones that we can’t get back. Furthermore, most of us don’t even enjoy the fruits of our labor. Now you know that taking time to breath, pat yourself on the back, and enjoy family and friends is priceless.
As we grow the relationships in our life is essential to our well being. Knowing what we need from each one and how we can reciprocate the love is clear. This is for your romantic, friendships, coworkers, family, and anyone else in your life. Long gone are the days of having 20 best friends. We keep a couple and throw the rest away.
When it comes to holidays, you really don’t need a gift. As long as you are around family and friends, good food, love, and laughter you are content and happy.
Avoiding people, places, and situations is essential to your mental health and you now know that. You no longer view it as running or punking out. Not putting yourself in uncomfortable situations or circumstances is smart and wise.
These are just some things I’ve picked up along the way and thought I’d share. Someone may feel the same way and not know what exactly is happening. It means you’re growing my love and becoming more aware of who you are. Don’t be afraid or run from it, embrace it because it’s going to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
The one thing that is constant is change. And while we’re on this journey of life, we’re going to forever grow. Let’s grow in the right direction.
This week my intentions were to let the days come natural to me. Once again, the kids had a 4 day weekend and getting in and out of routine hasn’t been the easiest. But even with the snow days 3 weeks in a row we adjusted on the fly well.
Sunday: The morning was great and started a little late. It felt good to get up and let the day come natural. Because the kids didn’t have school on Monday (presidents day) I knew we could relax a bit extra. My husband and I didn’t do our Sunday morning cafe coffee run because my mom came over and we talked the time away. After she left it was business as usual with cleaning, laundry, and having an early dinner. Because my husband also took off to have a 3 day weekend I didn’t want to be overwhelmed with work and not spend time together. The evening for me began early. After a workout I was able to enjoy some quality T.V. time.
Monday: So I was the only one who prepared to get up this morning and go to work. It’s presidents day and the kids are out of school and my husband took off work. However, upon getting up and getting dressed I had a light bulb moment, and remembered we were closed as well. I had to text a coworker to remember and she confirmed for me. Another day off. Yayyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!! I was super excited to be off with the entire fam and have nothing on the to do list. But since I was up early I proceeded to clean, have coffee, do laundry, and binge watch ID Discovery. The rest of the day was spent enjoying a peaceful relaxing day.
Tuesday: Unseasonably warm today. No wonder we’re expecting snow and ice again on Thursday. Back to business as usual with school and work, but made it a point to go out and enjoy the spring like temps before winter weather rolls in again. Had a very quiet and slow day at the office. Spent the evening walking outside enjoying the sun.
Wednesday: My morning was going great. Always a pleasure to wake up, fix hot breakfast for my kids and husband, and see everyone off. That is, until my husband calls me and says there is something wrong with our truck. He immediately took it to the mechanic and now my morning has hit a fork in the road. Instead of having a moment to myself after I drop the kids off, I have to meet him at the mechanic and pick him up. Because we’re expecting another round of snow and ice we knew we wouldn’t have answers today. They said they would be closing early and heading home.
I’m proud of myself because we came home to let it process and figure out our next steps before heading to work. Usually when something like this happens it sends you into a frenzy. I knew I was off tomorrow so it wasn’t a big rush to get it fixed right away.
Thursday: Snow day as expected. The kids are off and so am I. The temps are drastically cold and different from two days ago. After my husband left I decided to sit and have a moment to myself before the kids woke up. However, that was short lived, because we got a call about our car and what was wrong with it. I was really expecting the worst. But it turned out not to be that bad. But due to the weather we wouldn’t be able to pick it up until tomorrow. I was in gratitude mode all day. More importantly grateful for me keeping my calm and not worrying myself sick over the car. After a gloomy snowy day I was ready for the weekend. We received a call late that the kids would have school. WEEKLY BLOG: CALM AND STILLNESS
Friday: What do you know? At 5:30 a.m. we received a call from the school saying road conditions were too bad, and they were cancelling school all together. This is the third week in a row that they’ve had 4 day weekend. But there is always a brighter side. The teachers got a much needed break. We still had to pick up our car from the mechanic and I chose to truck it through the winter weather and go to work. The kids stayed home with dad and enjoyed yet another day off. I did my usual Friday grocery store run and went on a cleaning spree. You know sometimes you just get into a cleaning mode. Because it was cold out still, we spent our Friday evening watching T.V. and staying warm.
Saturday: Not too much planned. My boys had hair cut appointments and I chose to spend the afternoon cleaning up the ice melt that was tracked in from outside. I was able to have a great moment of brainstorming ideas, blogpost, and edit. I was able to get a workout in early because we wanted to take the kids out for dinner. However, they opted to order in and didn’t want to go. We, of course, took advantage of the moment and decided to go have our Saturday night date night since they didn’t want to hang out with us. It was refreshing after being snowed in the last couple of weekends. We capped the night off binge watching Netflix.
My take away from this week was everything will work out. Take advantage of the time that I have to spend with my family. Don’t let things out of your control ruin your day or week.
Have a great day and week!!!!!!
P.S. Weekly blog is designed to show the realistic life of a working mom balancing life, family, marriage, and myself.
The one thing I know for sure, is we all want to be happy, love, and be loved. The one thing that holds us back is not being our true authentic self. We hear it all the time, to just be you. If we all could live how we want, where we want, and with whom we want, the idea of stress and anxiety would greatly diminish.
To just be you means to not go buy a house because your friend has. Be comfortable in your apartment or living with your parents. Just be you and take small staycations instead of a grand vacation. Own who you are in the style of clothes you like to wear. Just because your friends or family like certain stores, brands, and styles doesn’t mean you have to wear that as well.
Trying to keep up with what everyone is doing, what they have, and where they are is going take your focus off of you and your happiness. Furthermore, why spend money and stress yourself trying to fit in. You being you will allow you to stand out the right way.
If you have a bubbly or colorful personality don’t hide it because you feel no one understands. Be the life of the party if that’s what your heart desire. Secretly, those with quiet personalities enjoy your freespirit and is motivated by you. Happy Sunday AND LET GO
To just be you means don’t put yourself in any situation where you have to compromise your comfort, smile, personality, and energy. Not everyone is going to run to you and love you but that doesn’t mean you have to hide who you really are.
Remember you were created to be specifically you. If that’s the way God wanted you to be, then that is who you ought to be. If God says you’re perfect and enough the way I created you, then you are PERFECT!!!!!!! So go out there and be you. Those who are supposed to love you will, and those who don’t, bless them and keep going.
You will only win at being you. Don’t wastetime, money, or energy trying to be something other than what you were created to be. Everyone else is taken. Just be you.
